“Play is the highest form of research”
Albert Einstein

There is nothing quite like the happy sound of children playing but this childhood occupation isn’t just good fun, it is crucial to a child’s development. Play allows children to be creative, it develops their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is so important in healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them.

With the vast array of public awareness around reducing children’s screen time it is more important than ever to encourage our children to play outdoors. Children are naturally drawn to playing outside and there are so many benefits of outdoor play.

Outdoor play allows them to explore new environments, develop muscle strength and coordination, and gain self-confidence. Playing actively outdoors also increases a child’s flexibility, their fine and gross motor skills, and it is related to the development of a wide variety of physical skills, including those involved in sports.

Children benefit from exercise in so many ways and they have a real need for physical exercise and activity and need to be provided with opportunities to use their muscles to run, swing, jump, skate and ride a bike, and to be out in the fresh air and sunshine.

Don’t just take my word for it, Aideen McCartney, Certified Play Specialist at Playful Pathways has provided us with her Top 5 ways to encourage Outdoor Play.

1. Go on a discovery walk in your neighbourhood or local park

How many new things can you discover in your street or neighbourhood that you’ve never noticed before? You never know what kids of treasures and mysteries you can discover when you head out with a curious mindset. Bring magnifying glasses and torches if you like, but leave the phones at home.

2. Create an obstacle course

Using as little or as much space as you like and any equipment or natural obstacles you find, you can create a sequence of physical challenges and activities that will keep your family entertained. You can include running, skipping, hopping, climbing, crawling, going over/under/through/around things, going backwards/ forwards/sideways, stopping, starting, balancing and basically anything you like!

3. Build an outdoor den or fort

Using some old sheets, rope, pegs, furniture and trees you can make your own den,fort or play tent in the great outdoors.

4. Go on a picnic

Work together to prepare your favourite foods and take your breakfast, lunch or dinner outdoors (even if you only go as far as your backyard). Everything tastes better in the fresh air.

5. Have a water fight

On those warm days you can use water pistols, water bottles, buckets, plastic cups and of course the garden hose to have a good old fashioned water fight.

What are your favourite ways to encourage your child to play outdoors? Can you remember any childhood games you used to play outdoors?